Aberdeen City Council has released new images showing the stunning transformation planned for the Castlegate.
It comes as part of an update on the £150million City Centre and Beach Masterplan given to the council's finance and resources committee.
The committee was told the work on the iconic Castlegate will get underway at the conclusion of the Tall Ships event in July.
Artist's impression images of the Castlegate show a resurfaced square with trees and greenery along with ample seating and bike racks, making the area much more inviting for locals and visitors.
Acting as a key gateway towards the beach area, Castlegate will also boast public art and improved lighting.
Finance and resources committee convener Councillor Alex McLellan said: “Aberdeen City Council is investing in the significant transformation of the city centre and beachfront to make place people want to live, work, study, do business or invest.
“The Castlegate works will be running alongside the existing construction taking place on Union Street and the beachfront and, once finished, these developments will make a major difference to the city and ensure our city centre is a place both residents and visitors can continue to enjoy.”
Councillor Ian Yuill, co-leader, said: “The city centre and beach areas will be significantly improved through the agreed construction works. These are major investments to upgrade the city for the benefit of all.
“The beachfront will experience its biggest redevelopment for 35 years. The new facilities will offer amazing new facilities to young people, families and individuals of all ages. The aim is to make the city centre and beach a more attractive and desirable place for all to enjoy.”
The report before the committee said the works to Union Street Central will mean the space will be reapportioned in favour of walking, wheeling, and riding users, and public transport whilst still allowing for service vehicle access. It includes a new two-way 3m wide cycle track on the north side, public seating at key locations, and will offer welcoming amenity to all and opportunities for rest for the less able whilst encouraging a wide range of visitors to the city centre.
Since the start of the project, there have been additional works associated with the removal of tram sleepers embedded within the existing concrete basecourse and an undocumented redundant water main.
Meanwhile, the extensive works at the beach are progressing at pace and are expected to be complete by the end of summer 2026.
They include the creation of a new beach park and events space,
The Events Park is intended as a flexible space capable of holding events including festivals, larger concerts and gatherings. The Field will be the central focus of this area, semi-enclosed by woodland planting, providing definition and increased shelter.
The vision for Broadhill is to enhance the natural environment of this distinctive feature through additional planting, furthering the diversity of habitat, and ecological value.
The report said works on site to all areas progressing on programme. The updates include:
Beach park:
- Drainage well progressed;
- Foundations work has started on the canopy and gateway building;
- The hub building consents are now in place;
- Superstructure orders are being procured by the contractor.
Events field:
- Drainage is well progressed across the area;
- Canopy foundations are in place;
- Amphitheatre foundations have started;
- Car park drainage and formation work is complete.
Broadhill:
- Access steps from Links Road are in place and moving towards completion;
- Seating and viewing points are due for installation over the next month;
- Landscaping work has started.
The £150million commitment by Aberdeen City Council towards the City Centre and Beach Master Plan includes major improvement works underway at Union Street Central, the new market building, and at the city's beach area. They will create vibrant and accessible areas to help make the city a destination of choice for the benefit of residents, visitors, and businesses.